Tetanus

Description

Tetanus, also called lockjaw, is a serious disease. It is caused by bacteria that live mainly in dirt, dust and soil. These bacteria are also found in human and animal feces and sometimes in saliva. The bacteria enter the body through a graze, a scrape or a small wound caused, for example, by a dirty needle or rusty nail. Once in the body, the bacteria produce a poison that attacks the nerves that control muscle activity.

Symptoms

The symptoms of tetanus come on gradually. In most cases, they appear within 2 weeks of becoming infected.

The most common symptoms are sudden spasms and stiffness in the muscles of the neck and then the face.

If you need immediate assistance to get to the emergency room, call 911.

Same-day consultation

You must see a doctor on the same day if you have any of the following symptoms:

you have painful muscle spasms, especially in the face;

you have difficulty breathing;

your back is arched (curved backwards).

Take your child to a doctor quickly if he/she develops symptoms of tetanus and has a fever, seems very ill, is lacking energy or does not want to play.

Treatment

Tetanus can be treated. It requires a stay in intensive care and continuous monitoring.

Tetanus treatment involves:

antibiotics and immunoglobulins to treat the infection;

medications to control muscle spasms;

wound care;

vaccination.

If the infection is severe, the person may need a machine to help them breathe artificially.

Complications

Tetanus must be treated immediately. If left untreated, it can cause serious complications. The stiffness can spread to the muscles in the chest region and cause breathing difficulties.

Possible complications of tetanus are:

pneumonia;

broken bones caused by muscle spasms;

nerve and brain damage in infants and children.

Tetanus is fatal in 10 to 20% of cases.

Transmission

The bacteria that cause tetanus can live for years in:

soil;

dust;

human or animal feces or saliva.

You cannot get tetanus just from touching an infected object. There has to be a small wound, scrape or graze in your skin for the bacteria to get into the body. Therefore, an ordinary activity such as gardening can be a risk for a person who has a cut or wound, since they are exposed to bacteria that might be in the soil.

children are given their first dose of the tetanus vaccine at 2 months of age;

adults are given a tetanus booster shot every 10 years.

The tetanus vaccine is part of a combined vaccine that protects against several diseases. The composition of the vaccine varies depending on the person’s age. To find out which vaccine you should get, consult the recommended immunization schedule.

How to get vaccinated

Under the Québec Immunization Program, everyone can get vaccinated against tetanus for free.

People at Risk

Anyone who is not protected against tetanus can become infected. In addition, a person who has had the disease is not protected against tetanus. Tetanus occurs worldwide and can affect people of any age.

The most vulnerable people are infants and older adults. Adults are often unaware that their protection against tetanus may have decreased if they have not had the booster shots recommended on the immunization schedule.

Special Conditions

In Québec, tetanus is a reportable disease.

Laboratory staff and health professionals must inform the public health authorities if they detect a case of tetanus.

Last update: September 11, 2017 8:58 AM

Notice

The information on this website by no means replaces the advice of a health professional. If you have questions regarding your health, contact Info-Santé 811 or see a health professional.